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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Shock Wave Application to Cell Cultures
Published on: April 8, 2014
Effects of high-energy shock waves on murine renal cell carcinoma
1Department of Surgery (Urology), Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Abstract:
The effects of high-energy shock waves (HESW) on a murine renal cell carcinoma (RenCa) was investigated. In vitro exposure of tumor cells to HESW resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability as determined by trypan blue dye exclusion, plating efficiency, growth curve, and soft agar clonogenic assays. Activity of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) was detected in the supernatant after the HESW treatment due to cellular destruction, and a dose-dependent increase in cytocidal effect was demonstrated. Ultrastructural changes with swelling and distorted cristae of mitochondria, vacuolation, ribosomal lysis, and chromatinolysis were observed in HESW-treated RenCa cells. Flow cytometric (FCM) study revealed that DNA content of RenCa cells diminished after 200 HESW treatment, and RNA content of tumor cells decreased markedly after 400 HESW treatments. Partial or complete inhibition of tumor growth was shown in both animal modalities of subcutaneous inoculation and intravenous injection with sequential lung metastases. This study stressed again that HESW may play a role in combinational protocol for the treatment of human renal cell carcinoma in certain circumstances.
Insights
High-energy shock waves (HESW) effectively reduced renal cell carcinoma (RenCa) viability in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. HESW demonstrates potential as a therapeutic option for renal cell carcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RenCa) is a significant health concern.
- Investigating novel therapeutic modalities for cancer treatment is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of high-energy shock waves (HESW) against murine renal cell carcinoma (RenCa).
- To elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying HESW-induced tumor cell death.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assays including trypan blue exclusion, plating efficiency, growth curves, and soft agar clonogenic assays.
- Biochemical analysis of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) release.
- Ultrastructural examination of HESW-treated cells using electron microscopy.
- Flow cytometry (FCM) to assess DNA and RNA content.
- In vivo studies using subcutaneous and intravenous inoculation models in mice.
Main Results:
- HESW treatment led to a dose-dependent decrease in RenCa cell viability and a significant cytocidal effect.
- Ultrastructural analysis revealed mitochondrial swelling, vacuolation, and ribosomal/chromatin lysis.
- FCM demonstrated diminished DNA and RNA content in HESW-treated cells.
- Partial to complete inhibition of tumor growth and lung metastases was observed in vivo.
Conclusions:
- HESW induces significant cell death and tumor growth inhibition in renal cell carcinoma models.
- HESW exhibits potential as an adjunct therapy in the treatment protocols for human renal cell carcinoma.
